Offense meets defense when the Minnesota Timberwolves (42-31) visit Philadelphia to take on the 76ers (41-30). The game gets underway at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 24, 2018.
Philadelphia opened as a 6-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 222 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Philadelphia 76ers ATS Prediction
In the Timberwolves’ last game, they defeated the New York Knicks, 108-104. Minnesota was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Timberwolves made 28 of their 32 free throws (87.5 percent), while the Knicks were 12-17 (70.6 percent). With 24 points on 9-for-14 shooting, Karl-Anthony Towns led Minnesota in scoring.
The 76ers dismantled the Orlando Magic in their last outing, 118-98. The 76ers held the Magic to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.5 (below their season average of 20.0). The Magic had a free throw rate of 0.154 (below their season average of 0.184). With six points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, Philadelphia’s Ben Simmons had a good game.
The offensive glass could be a major edge for Philadelphia in this battle. The 76ers rank third in offensive rebounding percentage (25.6 percent), while Minnesota ranks 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.0 percent). Furthermore, the third-ranked offense of the Timberwolves (offensive efficiency of 112.3) will clash against the fourth-ranked defense of the 76ers (defensive efficiency of 103.6).
Minnesota comes into the contest with records of 42-31 straight up (SU) and 33-36-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Timberwolves’ 72 games with betting action, 41 have finished over the total.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia owns records of 41-30 SU and 40-31 ATS. A little over half of 76ers games have finished over the O/U total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jeff Teague (16.4 points, 9.2 assists and 1.6 steals) has been fantastic for the Timberwolves while Simmons (13.6 points, 11.6 assists, 10.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals) has made great contributions to the 76ers.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Joel Embiid recorded 28 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists in the first matchup, in which the 76ers, who were 4.5-point underdogs, beat the Timberwolves 118-112. The game finished with a total of 230 points, which was 15 points above the projected point total of 215 points. Philadelphia made good use of their 32 trips to the charity stripe, making 27 of them (84.4 percent). Minnesota, meanwhile, was 19-27 (70.4 percent).
Minnesota Timberwolves at Philadelphia 76ers Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – 76ers, ATS Winner – 76ers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Minnesota is 15-19-2 ATS on the road with 20 overs and 16 unders.
Philadelphia is 22-11 ATS at home with 18 unders and 15 overs.
Minnesota is 16-4 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Philadelphia is 18-0.
The 76ers are 38-18 when they reach the century mark, while the Timberwolves are 40-21.
Minnesota ranks second in steals allowed per game (6.4) while Philadelphia ranks last (8.8).
The Timberwolves rank sixth in points off turnovers per game (17.6) while the 76ers rank last in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.0).
Philadelphia ranks first in rebounds per game (46.8) while Minnesota ranks 23rd (41.8).
The 76ers rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (41.7) while the Timberwolves rank 20th (45.8).
Philadelphia ranks fourth in second chance points per game (13.6) while Minnesota ranks 22nd in second chance points allowed per game (13.0).
The 76ers rank fifth in fast break points allowed per game (10.3) while the Timberwolves rank 23rd (13.0).
Philadelphia averages 26.2 assists per game, which ranks third in the league. Minnesota ranks 21st in assists allowed per game (24.0).
The 76ers rank 14th in three pointers attempted per game (29.4) while the Timberwolves rank last (22.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Minnesota is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Philadelphia is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Timberwolves have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. On the season, Minnesota has defeated opponents by an average of 2.4 points.
During their last five games, the 76ers have scored an average of 116.6 points per game (8.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 104.6 points per game (0.9 below their season average).
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